Anti-smog and exhaust device

ABSTRACT

This invention discloses an anti-smog and exhaust device positioned rearwardly of a typical muffler, as used in an internal-combustion engine exhaust system. The specific device comprises a rotatable drum adapted to receive a filter unit therein for rotation with the drum about a tubular pipe that is fixedly connected to the exhaust system at one end thereof, and connected at its opposite end to a reservoir which supplies a liquid chemical by means of a pumping system to the rotating drum by way of the tubular pipe. The liquid intermingles with the exhaust fumes as they pass from the muffler to the interior of the drum and thereby transports the foreign particles and elements of the fumes into the filter unit, allowing the cleaned exhaust gases to enter the reservoir area where they once again are sprayed by a mist of the liquid before being expelled to the atmosphere as non-contaminated fumes.

United States Patent I191 Santa Cruz [54] ANTI-SMOG AND EXHAUST DEVICE [76] Inventor: Leon M. Santa Cruz, 1649 Heather Hill Rd., Pico Rivera, Calif. 91745 [22] Filed: March 19, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 126,245

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,128,548 2/1915 Sykes ..55/223 X 1,289,421 12/1918 Fairbanks... ..261/92 1,637,516 8/1927 Bri11iant..... ....55/D1G. 30 1,833,919 12/1931 Sisson ..55/517 X 2,038,313 4/1936 Placko ..55/D1G. 30

2,145,049 l/1939 Heuberger ..55/517 X 2,559,164 7/1951 McAllister ..261/92 X 3,180,712 4/1965 Hamblin ..55/D1G. 30 3,282,047 11/1966 Wertheimer... ..55/D1G. 30 3,353,335 11/1967 Caballero ..55/223 51 Jan. 23, 1973 Primary Examiner-Tim R. Miles Assistant Examiner-Vincent Gifford Attorney-J. Carroll Baisch [57] ABSTRACT- This invention discloses an anti-smog and exhaust device positioned rearwardly of a typical muffler, as used in an internal-combustion engine exhaust system. The specific device comprises a rotatable drum adapted to receive a filter unit therein for rotation with the drum about a tubular pipe that is fixedly connected to the exhaust system at one end thereof, and connected at its opposite end to a reservoir which supplies a liquid chemical by means of a pumping system to the rotating drum by way of the tubular pipe. The liquid intermingles with the exhaust fumes as they pass from the muffler to the interior of the drum and thereby transports the foreign particles and elements of the fumes into the filter unit, allowing the cleaned exhaust gases to enter the reservoir area where they once again are sprayed by a mist of the liquid before being expelled to the atmosphere as non-contaminated fumes.

8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN 23 I973 SHEET 1 [1F 2 I NVE N TOR, L eon Sanfa [r192 BY if ormg PATENTEUJAH 23 1975 SHEET 2 [IF 2 INVEN'fOk, Leo/7 M 50/2/0611 BY 1 /0 nae ANTI-SMOG AND EXHAUST DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention.

This invention relates generally to a device for filtering gas fumes and, more particularly, to a device to control and filter smog-producing gasoline fumes which are emitted from internal-combustion engines.

2. Description of the Prior Art.

As is well known, various problems and difficulties have arisen with the use of internal-combustion engines. A major problem which now exists is the control of the incomplete burning of the gasoline fuel used therewith so as to eliminate the passing of impure gas fumes through the exhaust system to'the atmosphere, which creates a condition known as smog".

Due to the many different unburned, impure particles and elements within the gas exhaust fumes, many various devices have been devised to eliminate and control them. However, none to date, of which I am aware, have been successful or sufficiently inexpensive to be installed in the average vehicle on the road today.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises an anti-smog and exhaust device for controlling the emission of impure gasoline exhaust fumes produced by an internal-combustion engine, generally of the type used in the average transportation vehicle. This device is positioned as the last component of the vehicle exhaust system in which there is included an internal-combustion engine and a manifold exhaust unit for passing the engine fumes to a muffler. The muffler generally emitsthe fumes to atmosphere basically as they are emittedfrom the engine. Thus, the above device is attached to the free emitting end of the muffler so that the fumes can be filtered of impure particles and the unburned gas.

It should be noted that the system, additionally, includes a pair of passage lines, each of which extend from both sides of the valve covers of the engine to a multi-couple junction. At thisv point, the fumes from the valve cover areas and the exhaust fumes from the engine are mixed together and are forced under pressure through the anti-smog device for filtering therein before the total. exhaust fumes are released to atmosphere.

As is generally known, the principle cause of air pollution and smog formation is due to automobile exhaust, which is emitted in large quantities. The air pollution created by smog occurs when a substantial mixture of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene), ethylene), nitrogen oxides (NO and N and, frequently, sulfur dioxide is irradiated inair.

In order to reduce or eliminate the above smog condition, the present device is so designed as to precipitate all foreign elements passing therethrough and entrapping them therein, but allowing. free flow of the cleaned exhaust fumes. Thus, the anti-smog device comprises a rotatable drum housing adapted to removably receive and support a filter unit. The drum housing is rotatably supported by an elongated pipe which is attachedat one end to the free end of the vehicle exhaust system just behind the muffler member thereof, the opposite end. of the pipe being fixedly attached to a reservoir housing. Adriving means, such as an electric motor, is provided to drive the housing drum, together with the filter, about the fixed pipe. As the drum rotates, a chemical liq'uid having a high boiling point, such as an anti-freeze solution, is circulated within the housing and through the filter. There is also provided a pump which is connected by one line to the reservoir and to the junction coupling by a flow line, for intermixing the liquid with the exhaust fumes as they enter the rotating housing through the outlet opening provided in the elongated pipe. There, the harmful elements are precipitated out and caught within the filter.

The cleaned exhaust continues through the filter and exits through a second group of openings in the pipe which terminates within the reservoir. The reservoir chamber is provided with a spraying device that sprays the chemical solution in the form of a fine mist for a secondary and final rinse of the exhaust fumes before entering the atmosphere.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an antismog and exhaust device that will reduce and control smog-producing elements discharged from an internalcombustion engine.

It is another object of the invention to provide an anti-smog and exhaust device that is easy and inexpensive to install within a vehicle exhaust system.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character that is rugged in construction but simple in its operation.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a device of this character that is easy to service and maintain.

Another object of the invention is to provide an antismog device that is adapted with filter units that'are readily changeable.

A further object of the invention is to provide an anti-smog device that uses a liquid chemical to precipitate the harmful smog-producing elements from the exhaust fumes and deposit the elements in the filter unit.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an anti-smog device that has a relatively long working life.

Other characteristics, advantages and objects of this invention can be more readily appreciated from the following description and appended claims. When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this description forms a part of the specification wherein like-references and characters designate corresponding parts inseveral views which are as follows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an internalcombustion engine exhaust system includingv the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal, partial cross section of the anti-smog device;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view takenon line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4'of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an interchangeable filter unit;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a diagrammatic view of an exhaust system of an intemal-combustion engine 10. The engine 10 is adapted with exhaust manifolds 12 on each side thereof and, for illustrative purposes, are shown connected at 14, whereby the toxic exhaust fumes pass through an exhaust pipeline 16 into a muffler 18. The muffler 18 is generally used to quiet the noises generated within the operating engine and does not affect the elements of the gasoline exhaust fumes passing therethrough. In the average automobile, the expelling end of the muffler terminates in the atmosphere, at which time the fumes are free to contaminate and pollute the air. At this point, the present invention, which is generally indicated at 20, is attached to the exhaust system rearwardly of the muffler 18.

The anti-smog device 20 comprises a junction coupling connector 22 which is positioned intermediate the muffler 18 and a rotating filtering unit, indicated generally at 24. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the junction connector 22 is provided with a pair of outwardly-extending tubular members 26. These tubular members are adapted to receive pipelines 28 and 30 which extend from the valve covers of the engine 10, for use as passageways to directly transport toxic fumes from the valve areas 32 and 33, respectively. However, it should be understood that additional lines are capable of being provided for, if other areas of the engine are found to emit the smog-producing fumes. As an example, one such area might be the crankcase (not shown) in which captured toxic fumes may be cycled to reach the filtering unit 24.

The anti-smog device, further, comprises a means for rotating the filter unit, said means being illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an electric motor 34 having a sprocket and chain drive arrangement 36 operably connected to one end of the filter unit 24. Further, a reservoir container 38 having a pump 40 operably connected thereto is provided to supply and recirculate a cleansing liquid throughout the anti-smog device.

The filter unit 24 is supplied with the liquid by line 41 leading from the pump 40 to the connector 22 at a point following the ingress of the fumes leading from the exhaust pipe and lines 28 and 30. Therefore, by following the arrows 42 and 43 it can be seen that the contaminated exhaust fumes originate in the body of the gasoline-operated,internal-combustion engine 10, ingressing therefrom by way of manifolds 12, through muffler 13 and directly into the connector 22. At the same time, fumes are passed through lines 28 and 30 directly from the engine 10 to junction connector 22, at which point the liquid is injected and mixed with the fumes therewith, and together pass through filter unit 24 in reservoir 38 where the liquid is trapped and the cleaned fumes are allowed to pass to atmosphere, without the harmful pollutants, through the egress passage 44. A more detailed description of the major components of the anti-smog device will hereinafter be described.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in which there is illustrated a more detailed view of the anti-smog device 20, the filtering unit 24 comprises an elongated drum housing 45 having end walls 46 and 48. The end wall 46 is an integral part of the drum housing and is provided with a central axial opening 50 defined by a pair of circular flanges 52 and 54. The flange 52 extends outwardly from the wall 46 while the flange 54 extends inwardly therefrom, said flange 54 having a diameter less than the diameter of said circular flange 52, thereby establishing a shoulder 55 at the junction of the flanges and wall 46.

Within the enlarged opening of the flange 52 there is disposed a sealed bearing 56 which is force fitted inwardly against the shoulder 55.

The opposite end wall 48 is removably secured to drum 45 by external threads 58 which screw within the internal threads 59 of a thickened radial flange 60 of the drum 45. An enlarged bore 62 is formed adjacent the opening 58 by an inwardly-projecting, circular flange 64. A bearing 65 and sealing ring 66 are removably disposed within said bore 62 for facilitating the removal of the end wall 48.

The drum housing 45 is rotatably supported through bearings 56 and 65 which are slidably received and positioned along a longitudinal exhaust tube 68, so that each end of the tube 68 extends outwardly from each end wall 46 and 48, respectively. In order for the filtering unit 24 to rotate about the tube 68, it is necessary to fixedly secure the tube in the exhaust system.

Therefore, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, one end of the tube is attached to an extension member 69 by means of a clamp 70 which radially engages a pair of flanges 72 and 74, respectively, said flange 72 being an integral part of the elongated tubular member 68 and said flange 74 being an integral part of extension member 69 (see FIG. 8).

As previously described above, the means for rotating the filter unit comprises an electric motor 34 having a chain and sprocket drive, the motor being conveniently attached to the body of a vehicle (not shown) preferably within a close proximity of flange 52 of the drum housing 45. As seen in FIG. 2, the flange 52 is adapted to receive a sprocket gear 75, said sprocket being driven through chain 76 which is operably engaged by sprocket 77 of the motor 34. Thus, it can be readily seen that, when motor 34 is activated, the filter unit 24 is rotated about the axis of the tube 68.

However, it should be understood that other modes of operating the filter unit 24 can be employed as, for example, a sprocket mounted to a drive shaft of an automobile and operably connected to the sprocket of the housing 45. I

Included within the drum housing 45 and removably supported therein is a filter cartridge, indicated generally at 80. Said filter cartridge 80 comprises an inner cylindrical tubular screen 82 having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the flange 72 of the pipe 68. A second cylindrical tubular screen 84 is provided as the outer shell of the cartridge.

Disposed between the outer and inner screens is a filter filler material made, generally, of a fibrous material including fine metal mesh. The material 86 is enclosed therein by end caps 88, each end cap being identical in construction so that the filter 80 can be inserted within the housing from either end. Each cap 88 s adapted with an extending sleeve member 89 (see FIG. 6) having an inner diameter large enough to receive both circular flanges 54 and 64, respectively. The filter 80 is arranged to rotate with the drum housing 45 by means of a pair of slots 90 disposed within each extending sleeve member 89 which are adapted to mate with cooperating pins 92 positioned radially outwardly on the circular flange 54. When the cartridge 80 is inserted within the drum and over the pipe 80, the slots 90 of the cap 88 permit the pins 92 to lock therein and thereby prevent separate rotational movement between the drum and filter. As the threaded end wall 48 is secured to the threaded portion of the drum, the circular flange 64 is received within the free sleeve member, thereby providing complete support for the cartridge 80. I

After the cartridge 80 is sealed within the drum housing 45, plug 93 in the wall 48 is removed so that the drum may be filled with a cleaning liquid 94. The liquid 94 should, preferably, have a chemical compound similar to an anti-freeze mixture that is generally used in a vehicle cooling system. Since anti-smog devices will be exposed to various weather conditions, the solution used therein must withstand extreme cold temperatures as well as extreme hot temperatures, and yet be capable of serving as a means to precipitate the toxic elements from the exhaust fumes.

Adjacent the outer free end of the pipe 68 and attached thereto is the reservoir 38 which is also supplied with the anti-freeze solution 94 toa level just below the output end 95 of said pipe. A threaded plug 96 in the upper wall 97 of the reservoir 38 is provided so that fluid can be added to the system when necessary. The level of the solution 94 can be periodically chacked by means of a dip stick 98 arranged in the forward removable wall 100.

Means for supplying a continuous flow of cleaning fluid throughout the anti-smog device is arranged between the reservoir 38 and filter unit 24, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. This means comprises the pump 40 which is provided with its own electric drive motor 102 and an inlet line 103 mounted at one end to the lower portion of the reservoir 38, pulling the solution therefrom into the pump 40 and then pumping the solution in two directions, one direction being through line 41 to the connector 22, as previously described, and through a second line 104 which communicates with the upper interior of the reservoir chamber 105.

When the engine is started by means of a typical dey and ignition system of the vehicle, the motors 34 and 102 are also energized. Hence, the filter unit begins to rotate and the pumping system commences to operate simultaneously as the engine expels the toxic exhaust fumes through the exhaust system.

Referring now to FIG. 2, it is seen that pump line 41 is attached to the junction connector 22 by means of a nut 106, in a conventional manner, adjacent to butfollowing the connection of the toxic fume lines 28, 30

I and 16. The passages 108 of the tubular members 26 join passage 110 of the connector 22, combining the fumes which then mix with the cleaning solution 94 as it is pumped from line 41 into the trailing portion of passage 110. From connector 22, the fluid and fume mixture is forced by the exhaust pressure of the engine 10 through pipe 68 which is arranged with two groups of contiguous, elongated openings 111 and 112, respectively. These groups of openings are divided by a portion 114 which establishes the group of openings 11] as inlet means for the incoming mixture, and the group of openings 112 as the onlet means whereby the exhaust passes to the chamber 105 of the reservoir 38. Therefore, the mixture of toxic fumes enters the filter unit intermingled with the solution 94 by way of tube 68 and is then allowed to disperse into the filter through openings 111. At this time, the toxic particles are separated from the fumes and the solution enters the drum housing 45 while the unit 24 is rotating. Partition 114 causes the fumes to traverse the filter material 86, exit through openings 112 and enter the chamber by way of passage 1 16 of tube 68.

Arrows represent the flow of filtered exhaust fumes as they enter chamber 105, and arrows 122 represent the exhaust being discharged to atmosphere. However, a final rinsing operation is provided within the reservoir by means of a spray device, indicated generally at 124. The spray device comprises a plurality of spray nozzles 126 arranged longitudinally along the lower side of pump line 104, for spraying a mist of the solution over the fumes as they leave tube 68 within the chamber. If, by chance, the exhaust at this time is slightly contaminated, the final spray rinse before said exhaust is discharged through passage. 128 should eliminate such contamination. The solution from the spray is collected in the lower section of the chamber 105 and is again filtered by screen 130. Screen 130 is supported by lips 132 and baffle members 134, said screen being readily removable for cleaning by removing the wall 100 which is held in place by screws 136.

In addition, the chamber 105 is provided with a partition wall 138 to protect the sprayed solution from being discharged through passage 128.

In order to provide a means to stabilize the large quantity of liquid chemical solution 94, a series of baffles 139 are longitudinally spaced within the drum housing 45, which is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4.

Both the drum housing 45 and the reservoir 38 will accumulate foreign material and sludge. It is necessary, therefore, to provide clean-out ports, as indicated at 140 and 142, respectively. Each clean-out port is adapted to receive threaded plugs 144 and 145, respectively.

The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof or sacrificing its material advantages, the arrangement hereinbefore described being merely by way of example, and I do not wish to be restricted to the specific form shown or uses mentioned, except as defined in the accompanying claims.

I claim:

1. An anti-smog device for an internal-combustion engine exhaust system, comprising:

A. a rotatable filter drum B. a rotatable filter cartridge removably disposed within said drum;

C. a longitudinal exhaust tube rotatably supporting said filter cartridge and said drum thereon, said tube having first and second group openings therein, whereby exhaust from said internal combustion engine can pass therethrough;

D. a reservoir attached to one end of said exhaust tube for receiving exhaust therefrom;

E. a cleaning solution disposed within said filter drum and said reservoir;

F. a pumping means for pumping said cleaning solution from said reservoir to said filter drum; and

G. a rotating means attached to said filter drum for rotating said filter drum and said cartridge about said exhaust tube while said pumping means supplies said filter drum simultaneously.

2. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first group of openings are ingress openings positioned adjacent the exhaust tube end attached to said exhaust system, said second group of openings are egress openings positioned adjacent the end of said exhaust tube attached to said reservoir and wherein said first and second group of openings are separated by a partition wall therebetween.

3. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 2, wherein said drum comprises:

A. a housing having end walls, said end walls being provided with an opening therein to receive said exhaust tube, and wherein one of said end walls is D. a drive chain operably interconnecting said first and second gears, whereby said filter drum is rotated when said motor is energized.

5. An anti-smog device as recited in claiin 3, wherein said pumping means comprises:

A. a pump interconnected between said reservoir and said filter drum, said pump having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports;

B. a motor operably connected to said pump;

C. a first flow line communicating said solution in said reservoir with said inlet port of said pump; and

D. a second flow line forming a communicating passage from said outlet port to the ingress side of said exhaust tube.

6. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 5, wherein said reservoir includes:

A. a filter screen removably supported within said reservoir below the end of said exhaust tube which terminates within said reservoir;

B. a plurality of vertical baffles disposed in the lower portion of said reservoir; and

C. a spraying device arranged within said reservoir for spraying said cleaning solution, said spraying device being operably connected to one of said outlet Ports of said pump. 7. An an r-smog device as recited in claim 6, wherein said cleaning solution comprises an anti-freeze solution.

8. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 6, wherein removably secured to permit access to the interior said filter cartridge comprises:

of said drum;

B. means within said housing for removably securing said filter cartridge therein; and

C. a plurality of baffles longitudinally spaced within said housing.

4. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 3, wherein said rotating means comprises:

A. an electric motor;

B. a first gear secured to said electric motor;

C. a second gear secured to said filter drum; and 

2. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first group of openings are ingress openings positioned adjacent the exhaust tube end attached to said exhaust system, said second group of openings are egress openings positioned adjacent the end of said exhaust tube attached to said reservoir and wherein said first and second group of openings are separated by a partition wall therebetween.
 3. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 2, wherein said drum comprises: A. a housing having end walls, said end walls being provided with an opening therein to receive said exhaust tube, and wherein one of said end walls is removably secured to permit access to the interior of said drum; B. means within said housing for removably securing said filter cartridge therein; and C. a plurality of baffles longitudinally spaced within said housing.
 4. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 3, wherein said rotating means comprises: A. an electric motor; B. a first gear secured to said electric motor; C. a second gear secured to said filter drum; and D. a drive chain operably interconnecting said first and second gears, whereby said filter drum is rotated when said motor is energized.
 5. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 3, wherein said pumping means comprises: A. a pump interconnected between said reservoir and said filter drum, said pump having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports; B. a motor operably connected to said pump; C. a first flow line communicating said solution in said reservoir with said inlet port of said pump; and D. a second flow line forming a communicating passage from said outlet port to the ingress side of said exhaust tube.
 6. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 5, wherein said reservoir includes: A. a filter screen removably supported within said reservoir below the end of said exhaust tube which terminates within said reservoir; B. a plurality of vertical baffles disposed in the lower portion of said reservoir; and C. a spraying device arranged within said reservoir for spraying said cleaning solution, said spraying device being operably connected to one of said outlet ports of said pump.
 7. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 6, wherein said cleaning solution comprises an anti-freeze solution.
 8. An anti-smog device as recited in claim 6, wherein said filter cartridge comprises: A. an outer elongated tubular screen; B. an inner elongated tubular screen having a diameter smaller than said outer tubular screen; C. a filter material disposed between said outer and inner screens; and D. a pair of end covers, each being secured at opposite ends of said filter cartridge and each of said covers having central openings therein to receive said exhaust tube. 